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When the concept of a fresh leftwing party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and searching for a political home as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have rather address key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

However many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”